Donor gives $30K for photography equipment

More than $30,000 worth of new photography equipment was added this month to the classrooms and photography studio at the Kansas Technology Center. The donation includes new, state-of-the-art cameras, lenses, lighting and backdrops.

The educational experience of Pittsburg State students in the Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies recently received a modern makeover thanks to an anonymous donor.

More than $30,000 worth of new photography equipment was added this month to the classrooms and photography studio at the Kansas Technology Center. The donation includes new, state-of-the-art cameras, lenses, lighting and backdrops.

Rion Huffman, assistant professor of Graphics and Imaging Technologies, said the new equipment will greatly improve the learning experience for the students.

“Our old equipment served its purpose, but it was not reliable in many ways,” he said. “Our students often had difficulties while using the equipment because it was old and outdated. This new equipment will allow our students to work with modern, current technology that is being used in industry. They will get the experience they need to be ready for the workforce.”

Because of the price of photography equipment, Huffman said he was concerned that the program would not be able to upgrade anytime soon. So, he put out a proposal for private donations.

“I had set my sights on refurbished equipment at the price of $15,000,” he said. “The donor came back with a donation that was double that amount so that we could get new, reliable equipment that would help the students learn. We truly are so very grateful for that support. It means a lot to me, our students and our program.”